Answer:
It depends on the country and in the USA, it depends on the state. If you hold yourself out to be husband and wife in some states, your "common law" marriage can be legally recognized by a court. However, a marriage license obtained before marriage always provides a legal status for marriage except in very specific circumstances like age or provable fraud.
This is not legal advice. This information is given so that you can learn the right questions to ask your attorney. If you need further clarification, you need to check with a legal professional in your area.